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The Personal Trainer course offered by the School of P.E., Health and Wellness is providing an opportunity most college students only dream of—the chance to tell faculty and staff exactly what to do, and how many times to do it!
But this isn’t a case of poor manners; instead, these fitness-minded upperclassmen are helping Southern employees get in shape by providing free advice and motivation through one-on-one training in the Hulsey Wellness Center twice each week. The goal is both to prepare students to pass the national personal trainer certification exam and to provide some real-world experience.

“We want them to know what it’s like to train someone so that when they go out into the field they will have more than just book knowledge,” said Mike Boyd, associate professor for the School of P.E., Health and Wellness.

The course requires each of the 13 students to complete 20 hours of observation and practical experience. In addition, they each must train two faculty or staff clients using the principles they learn in class. Student grades are largely based on the work they are doing with the clients, including the creation of a personalized workout plan.

“I really enjoy the hands on experience,” said Hubert Maitland, allied health major. “Being able to see the positive transformation in the clients I’m working with for class is really exciting.”

Jeremy Moore, career services coordinator for Southern, said his training sessions with Hubert have really helped him get back in shape after an accident last spring left him with a busted exercise regimen.

“When I broke my tailbone and rib, it was difficult to get back exercising on my own again,” Moore said. “But after a few weeks of training with Hubert I have seen a big difference; he has really helped me start to get back in shape!”

The Personal Trainer course offered by the School of P.E., Health and Wellness is providing an opportunity most college students only dream of—the chance to tell faculty and staff exactly what to do, and how many times to do it!
But this isn’t a case of poor manners; instead, these fitness-minded upperclassmen are helping Southern employees get in shape by providing free advice and motivation through one-on-one training in the Hulsey Wellness Center twice each week. The goal is both to prepare students to pass the national personal trainer certification exam and to provide some real-world experience.

“We want them to know what it’s like to train someone so that when they go out into the field they will have more than just book knowledge,” said Mike Boyd, associate professor for the School of P.E., Health and Wellness.

The course requires each of the 13 students to complete 20 hours of observation and practical experience. In addition, they each must train two faculty or staff clients using the principles they learn in class. Student grades are largely based on the work they are doing with the clients, including the creation of a personalized workout plan.

“I really enjoy the hands on experience,” said Hubert Maitland, allied health major. “Being able to see the positive transformation in the clients I’m working with for class is really exciting.”

Jeremy Moore, career services coordinator for Southern, said his training sessions with Hubert have really helped him get back in shape after an accident last spring left him with a busted exercise regimen.

“When I broke my tailbone and rib, it was difficult to get back exercising on my own again,” Moore said. “But after a few weeks of training with Hubert I have seen a big difference; he has really helped me start to get back in shape!”